Apple, Comcast in streaming-video talks

Word that Apple and Comcast are in discussions to provide streaming video pushed the Cupertino company’s stock higher early Monday.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple and Comcast were discussing a deal that would use set-top boxes from Apple to stream video across Comcast’s cable system, avoiding Internet congestion. An agreement does not appear to be imminent, with the Journal noting that “many hurdles remain.”

Apple stock rose more than 3 percent in early trading Monday to top $536 per share.

While pleasing Apple investors, the idea will likely alarm net neutrality fans. Comcast struck a deal with Netflix last month to give the video service priority in its pipeline, ensuring that net congestion doesn’t interfere with streaming videos or downloads. Such deals have been expected in the wake of a federal appeals court ruling in January that let network service providers prioritize the traffic flowing over their wires.